Campus Crime Alert 2012-10-23

Submitted by kmciver on Tue, 10/23/2012 - 10:27

What is this notice? Campus Crime Alerts are released by the University of Oregon Police Department in compliance with federal law, when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property. These timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations, and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety.

On October 22 around 5:00 p.m., a male UO student reported confronting a man trying to steal the student's bike outside of Chapman Hall on the UO campus. The student caught the man and struggled with him for the bike, but the suspect took the bike and rode west on 13th Avenue toward Kincaid Street, before being tackled by a bystander. The suspect ran to the Duck Store at 13th and Kincaid. Witnesses saw the suspect then leave the Duck Store and enter Caspian restaurant before eluding pursuers. The student recovered his bike and was not injured. The suspect escaped with the student's cable lock.

The suspect was described as a white male in his 20s, bald, about 6-feet-1, thin build, bad teeth, with a long, black "weather-proof" jacket and a blue or black long, "camping" style backpack.

A bicycle security reminder: thieves will often target bikes secured with cable locks. Even expensive cable locks can be severed with bolt cutters in a matter of seconds. UOPD recommends U-locks, available for purchase at local stores or from the UOPD West Station at 1319 E. 15th Avenue.

A reminder about intervention: the urge to get involved and help protect campus or fellow students is admirable. But bystanders should use caution, and remember that criminals can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Recovering stolen property is not worth risking serious injury.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents should call UOPD at 541-346-2919. Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be posted on the UOPD website at police.uoregon.edu.

CAMPUS SAFETY TIPS FROM UOPD

No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing a crime, or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance.

It is a crime to intentionally touch someone against his or her will, regardless of the situation.

Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.